Spring hair gets loose, low and cut to a 'lob'

Windswept hairstyles and long bobs are taking centre stage

"A lot of what we're seeing on the runways in terms of clothing has an old-world feeling to it, and we're also seeing that in hair," Murray says, referencing hairstyles spotted on models at London Fashion Week, including milkmaid braids at Nicole Miller, pictured, and windswept updos at Tom Ford for inspiration.

Photograph by: Frazer Harrison
, Getty Images

Messy, frizzy and flat-iron free — Oh my!

Spring/summer 2014 hair trends are moving away from the sleek locks of previous seasons and ushering in more relaxed — and romantic — styles.

“The more dishevelled, the more successful it can be,” says Aveda’s Vancouver-based western creative director, Marta Murray.

While loose braids and messy updos may sound more like a scene out of your worst hair nightmare than a must-try trend, Murray suggests the laissez-faire styles are going to be the perfect pairing for the sporty-yet-feminine fashions we will soon be seeing in stores.

“A lot of what we’re seeing on the runways in terms of clothing has an old-world feeling to it, and we’re also seeing that in hair,” Murray says, referencing hairstyles spotted on models at London Fashion Week, including milkmaid braids at Nicole Miller and windswept updos at Tom Ford for inspiration.

“There is something that is a little more romantic and early 1900s with tendrils falling down,” she says of the undone look.

While soft and messy braids that have structure without being too severe take centre stage, low ponytails, low buns and deep side parts will also make an appearance this spring.

The new low-setting styles are a swift departure from a favourite look of previous seasons: the top knot.

“If you were to ask me to say (top knots) were a trend right now, I would have to say no,” she says of the beloved buns. “We’re not looking at that any more.”

Instead, Murray suggest those with timid tresses try a foolproof style like the low braid, upping the cool factor by twisting and pinning it into a low bun to add extra texture.

“People are getting pretty apt at using curl rods and getting that texture in there,” Murray says of the runway-come-real-way styles.

“They have the ability to put that soft texture in, use a medium- or light-hold hairspray and then mushing and pinning to get that undone-done look.”

The spring colour story also falls in line with the soft and refined theme.

Stark ombre colours are on the way out, making room for more sophisticated balayage, according to Murray.

“It’s more about a subtlety between the colours, as opposed to the black-versus-white feel,” she says. “You’re not seeing as much high contrast.”

Perhaps the most interesting hair story of spring/summer 2014 is all about the cut. Get ready to bid adieu to those flowing, beachy waves because the hottest new trend is the “lob.”

“One of the trends that we’ve been seeing the last couple seasons is the oh-so-trendy lob, or the longer version of the bob,” Murray said.

While the style has been spotted in previous seasons and on celebrities such as Hayden Panettiere, Kelly Osbourne, Naomi Watts and Reese Witherspoon, the new take on the classic cut hovers just above the shoulder — a shorter length that Murray cautions Fairweather trend followers from taking part in.

“The most important thing to remember is that (certain) trends might not be appropriate for you and your lifestyle,” Murray advises.

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"A lot of what we're seeing on the runways in terms of clothing has an old-world feeling to it, and we're also seeing that in hair," Murray says, referencing hairstyles spotted on models at London Fashion Week, including milkmaid braids at Nicole Miller, pictured, and windswept updos at Tom Ford for inspiration.

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